Lead Embedded Flight Software Engineer

X-Bow Systems is looking to fill a Lead Embedded Flight Software Engineer position to own the flight software effort for X-Bow's family of solid propellant launch vehicles from initial concept and requirements definition, through implementation, testing, and flight operations. Additionally, opportunities exist to own or support other key launch vehicle systems including avionics, cabling, and ordnance.

• Design, implement, and test an embedded flight software framework for a series of controlled launch vehicles
• Grow and lead a software team at a growing launch vehicle provider
• Define flight software requirements and develop modular architecture
• Select and configure computing hardware, operating system, external libraries, and conduct hardware/software trade studies
• Implement software/middleware interfaces to communicate with devices such as sensors, actuators, radios, FPGAs/microprocessors, and power bus controllers
• Develop and implement flight software
• Standardize software validation and verification methodologies
• Participate in design and standup of hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) laboratory
• Collaborate in an ongoing hardware selection process with other stakeholders (GNC, Avionics, Systems) to define, select, and source hardware
• Support launch vehicle integration, test, and flight operations

• Minimum 15 years of directly related industry experience
• Background in embedded software engineering for aerospace applications
• Proficiency in C/C++
• Ability to identify and tailor appropriate computing hardware for the application
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks, Green Hills Integrity)
• Experience creating software interfaces and device drivers for serial communications (RS-232/422/485), Ethernet (TCP/UDP), and other communication interfaces
• Experience with software unit test suites
• Experience with version control (Git, SVN, or similar; Git preferred)
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems during operational events
• Ability to work in small collaborative teams, turning high‑level goals into detailed designs and operational products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Ability to complete assignments with little or no supervision
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment

• Experience with Atlassian software – Confluence and Jira
• Demonstrated past ownership of embedded aerospace software through the entire life cycle
• Avionics systems engineering experience
• Experience developing simulation environments for flight software test campaigns
• Desire to support or own other key launch vehicle systems requiring similar capabilities, including avionics (flight computers, navigation hardware, power, etc.)

• The chance to work on groundbreaking projects in the aerospace industry
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment with flexible and remote options
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• Competitive compensation and benefits

General Disclosure: X‑Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with X‑Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.